Sprouts & Seedlings
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103If your toddlers are home with you on Wednesday morning you really should check out the Sprouts & Seedlings program at Camden Children’s Garden. We tried it today and it was awesome. Both boys were entertained the entire time. Each Wednesday has a new theme and every 15 minutes a new activity is introduced supporting that week’s theme.
Here is what we did: Song & Circle Time, Hands-on Activity, Snack & Storytime, Craft, Garden Exploration & Carousel Ride, then the Goodby Gathering. This is all in 90 minutes and all for $10 / child. The instructors are so animated and energetic that they quickly make the kids laugh and relax. Everything is at the pace of the kids.
Henry loved the garden exploration part of the program. He got a pair of binoculars to walk around with and event got to plant and water lettuce. Each week the kids get to plant something new and check in on what they planted last week. The butterfly garden was also a big hit because it is set up at toddler level and the butterflies are very easy to spot. It didn’t hurt that we also got to feed the fish in the koi pond either.
Younger siblings are welcome but it really is great to be able to be hands on with your toddler.
I cannot say enough good thing about this program and its instructors.
Sign up to go every week or just once. There are five more classes left and I know we will try to make as many as possible.
April 25th: Delicious and Nutritious
May 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd: Beautiful Butterflies
Contact Ashley at 856-365-9741 to register and get your information packet.
*Parking: You want to park in the Battleship NJ parking deck ($8.50) which is just past the Adventure Aquarium parking lot $10.00). The Battleship NJ parking deck only takes cash. There is an ATM around the front of the building and the Adventure Aquarium parking lot take credit card…it is just a little bit of a longer walk to the Children’s Garden (but not a big deal).
* as long as it is not raining hard part of the program is outside so dress accordingly.
* since you are done at 11:30 think about packing a lunch and having a picnic by the river. If you are looking at the Children’s Garden to the left is a little plaza overlooking the water and to the right in front of the Adventure Aquarium there is grass! Take your pick.
I know that you stated that the program is fine to bring along a younger sibling, but for which ages is the program recommended? Glad to hear that it was awesome!
Hi Becky,
Good question. I should have called that out. The program is recommended for toddlers. Having been to the program I think it is perfect for 2-3 year olds. I think 4 years old would like it but might be a little bored.
Sounds great… especially for my very active 2 1/2 year old little guy… i just signed us up for tomorrow and all of May. Thanks so much for the great reivew and posts… you have quickly become my # 1 go to guide for reviews and places to go!
HI Sharon.
Hopefully you had a good time like we did and let me know what you think. I am really glad you find the site helpful because it here for parents like you.
Hi Sharon,
Have to ask…what did you think of Sprouts and Seedlings…you ended up having a great day for it.
Hi,
I thought it was great. The instructors were awesome and animated as you said. The garden itself is beautiful, i was very impressed. Unfortunately it took my son about a half hour before he got comfortable with the setting. I havent really taken him to any structured events or story time’s, not for the lack of trying, just because he is so active and doesnt care to sit still for very long. He warmed up by snack time and i was able to get him to sit down. Once we got his binoculars and went outside he was good to go. . He followed the instructors and had a great time. He really loved the “farmhouse” and picking the fruits and veggies, which the instructors later hid and the kids went to find them. I think his favorite is the carousel. I did sign him up for the remaining classes, so i am going to give it a shot next week and hope he warms up a bit quicker this time.
Thanks so much for the review, i would never have know about it otherwise!
I was worried about the same issue because I brought Oliver with us. He is too young to understand sitting down and paying attention. I will say they were so laid back there that it is the right environment to give it a shot. The places I turn to so my kids can burn energy is My Little Adventures in NJ (30 minutes from No Libs) and Bounce U in Cherry Hill. If you have not done open bounce at Bounce U I highly suggest it for any super active kid!
totally agree about the environment. my son is actually 2 1/2 and i had hoped he would get the idea of sitting down but he clearly has different ideas than i do sometimes… lol . the girls were really great when my son decided to have a meltdown and i stepped outside ..l they made me feel at ease about it. we go to My little adventures pretty often actually, love it there! i am actually planning on booking his 3rd birthday there. I have not been to Bounce u yet.. i tried once but messed up on the times and it was just open to groups that day. i will check it out though.
I live in Haddon Township, but am originally from Fishtown, which is why i think i am drawn to your site/reviews. I really like how you cover both Philly and NJ as i try to do that as well.
we are planning on ging to the chicken dance this weekend… perhaps we may run into you this weeknd as i chase down my son… lol
thanks!